Briscoe: New Selena Exhibition & Summer Film Series
The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio is set to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Queen of Tejano music with Selena Forever / Siempre Selena, a special photographic exhibition opening June 4, 2026, in the museum’s Kate Marmion Gallery. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)
Featuring photographs by acclaimed San Antonio photographer John Dyer, the exhibition captures Selena at a pivotal moment in her rise to international stardom. It offers an intimate look at an artist whose talent, charisma, and determination transformed Tejano music and helped redefine representation for Mexican American women in popular culture.
📸 The Exhibition: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena
Photographed by Dyer on multiple occasions between 1992 and 1994, this showcase brings together some of the most recognizable and widely published images of Selena’s career. It is considered the most complete and comprehensive exhibition of large-scale Selena portraits ever presented.
Visitors can expect:
- Monumental Portraits: Iconic large-scale images from her rise to stardom.
- Boutique Photographs: Never-before-seen, intimate snapshots.
- Historical Ephemera: Magazine covers and memorabilia offering an expansive look at her life and artistry.
On Display: June 4, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027
Carrying the Spirit of the West
“Selena was a trailblazing Tejana whose influence reached far beyond music,” says Liz Jackson. “She embodied the independence, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that have long defined the American West, while proudly carrying her culture and community with her every step of the way.”
At a time when Tejano music was largely dominated by men, Selena broke barriers with confidence and authenticity. Much like generations of Tejanos who helped shape Texas through perseverance and innovation, Selena forged her own path while carrying the traditions of her community forward.
About the Photographer: John Dyer
John Dyer is a Texas-based photographer renowned for documenting the people, culture, and spirit of the American Southwest. His work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions nationwide, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the McNay Art Museum. Dyer’s work documenting Selena remains some of the most iconic imagery associated with the beloved cultural icon.
🎬 Briscoe Summer Film Series: “Siempre Tejano”
To complement the exhibition, the Briscoe’s annual Summer Film Series will present Siempre Tejano, celebrating Selena, Tejano music, and the cultural legacy shaping Texas today.
The Details:
- When: The third Sunday of June, July, and August at 2:00 PM.
- Perks: Included with general admission. Tickets include complimentary beer provided by Ranger Creek and classic movie snacks. (Pro-tip: Purchase tickets in advance online)
Film Lineup:
| Date | Film | Description |
| Sunday, June 21 | Selena y Los Dinos (2025) | A Netflix documentary tracing the band’s rise from local South Texas gigs to international fame, featuring rare archival footage from the Quintanilla family archive. |
| Sunday, July 19 | Selena (1997) | The beloved feature film starring Jennifer Lopez charting Selena’s extraordinary journey. Inducted into the National Film Registry, it famously features San Antonio’s own River Walk. |
| Sunday, Aug. 16 | Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood (2025) | An acclaimed documentary exploring the influence of legendary TV host Johnny Canales, whose variety show helped launch the careers of countless Tejano artists. |
🏛️ More to Experience at the Briscoe This Summer
Located right on the River Walk near La Villita in downtown San Antonio, the Briscoe preserves the art, history, and culture of the American West. Beyond Selena, visitors can experience massive programming updates this summer:
Landmark Exhibition: Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story
Opening July 24, 2026 (running through Jan. 18, 2027), this is the most ambitious exhibition in the Briscoe’s history.
- Features more than 100 rare artworks and artifacts.
- Includes pieces loaned from Mexican institutions—considered national historical heritage—on display in the U.S. for the very first time.
- Don’t Miss: The museum’s annual National Day of the Vaquero / Día Nacional del Vaquero celebration on July 25.
Tejano Legacy National Tour Dates
Can’t make it to San Antonio? The landmark exhibition will be hitting the road to introduce audiences across the country to the story of Tejano identity:
- March 4 – September 5, 2027: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (Scottsdale, AZ)
- October 30, 2027 – February 13, 2028: Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin, TX)
🎟️ Admission Deals & Discounts
The Briscoe is offering several free and reduced admission opportunities throughout the summer:
- Kids 12 and under: Always FREE.
- Active-Duty Military Families: FREE via Blue Star Museums through Labor Day.
- Bexar County Residents: Monthly free “Locals Days”.
- Community Programs: Proud participant in Museums for All and Museums on Us.
Plan your summer visit to the Briscoe and immerse yourself in the vibrant history, art, and music that define Texas,
SA Examiner 